Parliament, Sunday, 9 August 2026 – The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has welcomed the National Conventional Arms Control Committee’s (NCACC) first Quarter Report on the approval of import and export permits for conventional arms, noting that the report demonstrates the defence industry’s growing contribution to South Africa’s economic growth and development.
Co-Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Mr Phiroane Phala, said the report underscores the importance of a well-functioning defence industry supported by an effective regulatory and oversight framework.
“The strong performance reflected in the report highlights the importance of a well-functioning defence industry, supported by the NCACC as a regulatory and oversight body. Despite this progress, the committee believes there remains significant room for expansion to capitalise on the growing global defence market,” said Mr Phala.
The committee noted with satisfaction that the NCACC had considered every application submitted for approval. This, the committee said, is consistent with recommendations made during the recent Defence Lekgotla, which emphasised the importance of expediting the processing of applications to enable compliant businesses to secure new contracts and remain competitive in international markets.
“The committee has consistently emphasised the importance of an NCACC that meets regularly and takes timely decisions, enabling the defence industry to fulfil its contractual obligations and pursue new business opportunities,” Mr Phala added.
The committee was informed that the NCACC approved:
- 64 contracting permits valued at R17 billion;
- 86 export permits for munitions valued at R855 million; and
- 29 export permits for dual-use components valued at R172 million.
These approvals reflect the continued strength and growth potential of South Africa’s defence industry. Furthermore, the committee welcomed the increase in the value of contracting permits from R5.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025 to R17 billion in the first quarter, describing it as evidence of the steady recovery and growing competitiveness of South African defence products in global markets.
While welcoming these positive developments, the committee stressed the need to strike an appropriate balance between transparency, accountability and the protection of commercially sensitive information.
Mr Phala urged Members of Parliament to ensure that oversight is exercised in a manner that safeguards trade secrets, protects clients and preserves the integrity of the NCACC’s adjudication process. “While we recognise and appreciate the importance of transparency and accountability, these principles must always be implemented in accordance with the law and with due regard for protecting the integrity of the adjudication process, as well as commercially sensitive information,” he said.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a defence industry that contributes to economic growth, job creation and South Africa’s strategic interests, while ensuring full compliance with national legislation and international obligations.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSON OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE, MR PHIROANE PHALA.
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